Finale of Grand Hotel. The work staff characters come out in grimy clothing, singing, while carrying these big milk crates with tons of metal utensils in them directly downstage. Then they slam them down on the stage with the force of sumo wrestlers...right next to the floor mics. The ensuing sound could be heard on Alpha Centauri. I grabbed my head, covered my earlobes and prayed for the inner earthquake to subside before I was certain it would lead to aneurysm.
The opening steam whistle in the original production of SWEENEY TODD. Scared the crap out of the audience. Maybe the most perfect instant tone-setter I've ever experienced.
I second the Sweeney Todd factory whistle. Scared the crap out of me as well...even my second viewing when I knew it was coming up- it got me again. Such a terrible sound!
"You drank a charm to kill John Proctor's wife! You drank a charm to kill Goody Proctor!" - Betty Parris to Abigail Williams in Arthur Miller's The Crucible
I agree about the Entr'acte of Mamma Mia! It was so loud and unexpected.
"I don't want the pretty lights to come and get me."-Homecoming 2005
"You can't pray away the gay."-Callie Torres on Grey's Anatomy.
Ignored Users: suestorm, N2N Nate., Owen22, master bates
As for actually during a show, the machine guns used in Tommy were deafening.
I love that Entr'acte for Mamma Mia! I thought it was a pretty clever way to energize the audience while making them shut up at the same time. Always makes me laugh.
"What can you expect from a bunch of seitan worshippers?" - Reginald Tresilian
^ That is true. It actually is one of my favorite parts of the cast recording. I just had no better thing to post.
"I don't want the pretty lights to come and get me."-Homecoming 2005
"You can't pray away the gay."-Callie Torres on Grey's Anatomy.
Ignored Users: suestorm, N2N Nate., Owen22, master bates
When I saw Hedwig in London. I believe it was Michael Cerveris? It was so loud you had no clue what they were singing. Was not enjoyable. So many people had their hands over their ears.
"I hope your Fanny is bigger than my Peter."
Mary Martin to Ezio Pinza opening night of Fanny.
The gunshot that ends Gavroche's life in LES MIZ...
"TO LOVE ANOTHER PERSON IS TO SEE THE FACE OF GOD"- LES MISERABLES---
"THERE'S A SPECIAL KIND OF PEOPLE KNOWN AS SHOW PEOPLE... WE'RE BORN EVERY NIGHT AT HALF HOUR CALL!"--- CURTAINS